Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Hi all I just went to coachella GA this year and I am contemplating doing VIP passes for next year, just wanted to see if those of you who spent the extra money felt it was worth it before I splurge. Viewing areas packed? Etc. thanks!

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

the cons
viewing areas suck, there is no real value there. the rose garden lets you hear the sahara but not see the stage (other then the TV)
the other area lets you see the main stage but its too far back to be meaningful.
my main experience with VIP is Ultra which I believe does a better job with the viewing areas but not as good a job on the comfort aspect.

for me the money is all in the comfort, im 35, my wife is 39+1 ad when you want to drink, or food and something good, or a clean uncrowded restroom, or a relaxing place to chill between sets then the extra money pays for itself there. IF Coachella added 3 other aspects I think it would be amazing.

1. better viewing areas at all the stages (this would even be worth an upcharge a VIPVIP so to speak)
2. a less crowded merch area
3. a less crowded meet / greet with artists

but if your question is ultimately is it worth the money, you have to weigh if quicker entry (less agressive checks) comfort, better quality food / drink choices and a bit better bathroom facilities are worth the money for you.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

As long as you arent expecting Stage benefits, it totally is worth it. Getting a quick drink, relaxing in the shade between sets, good food choices with short lines and instant bathroom access is why I do it.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

This was my first year attending & I decided to spring for VIP for the reasons listed above. It's worth a bit more, but certainly NOT $800 vs $350. Basically, you're paying for the privilege of not waiting in line for your same $9 beer or $11 cocktail.

The Rose Garden was nice to sit in, but it looks like it took them an hour to rent 8 couches and setup said expensive bar. The nice trailer bathrooms that were a big draw for me were closed on Sunday and I was told "the pump broke"

I camped for the weekend; and much to my surprise Friday morning - there's no VIP entrance at the main entrance!? I had to ask several security people - none of which had a clue. If I didn't get bad information, all I needed to do was walk completely out of the grounds and around to the VIP parking to walk in the other side to take advantage of a VIP entrance. Obviously, I did not try it. I might have ridden a bike over there - but they cut the locks off my two bikes on Saturday & removed them (still don't have them back).

Sorry about the rant - but if some one told me these things, I would have went GA. I would think for $450 extra dollars they could do something as small as give you a few free waters or something.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Findfoley - there was a VIP line at the regular entrance. It was to the far left and usually a walk straight in. Only once was it not operating and that was when there was no line going in. This was week one, cant speak for week 2.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by SpicyLobster

Findfoley - there was a VIP line at the regular entrance. It was to the far left and usually a walk straight in. Only once was it not operating and that was when there was no line going in. This was week one, cant speak for week 2.

I was there weekend one as well. On Saturday there was a descent sized line to get in. Took maybe 20 minutes. The VIP line to the left was closed. There was a fat ass in a yellow jacket sitting there leaning back in his chair. People were walking up with their VIP bands on and he pointed them to the main line. Most of the people working the entrance were pretty lame.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by Debauchery

I was there weekend one as well. On Saturday there was a descent sized line to get in. Took maybe 20 minutes. The VIP line to the left was closed. There was a fat ass in a yellow jacket sitting there leaning back in his chair. People were walking up with their VIP bands on and he pointed them to the main line. Most of the people working the entrance were pretty lame.

wow! really? I''d be fuming if that was the case when I went in. What a load of shit and hopefully they allowed VIPers to get through the main entrance just as quick...considering you pay for it.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

First of all, "worth the money" is a value judgment and people have different attitudes about money. If you aren't sure how you're going to make rent next month, then no VIP is not worth the money. If you're lighting cigars with 10s and 20s, then sure it's nice not to have to wait in line.

I'm not sure why someone would camp and then buy VIP. That's like living in a piece of shit rat-infested smeared-shit-on-the-walls-and-puke-in-the-carpet hellhole of an apartment then driving around in your Z4. but whatever people like i guess.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by TomAz

First of all, "worth the money" is a value judgment and people have different attitudes about money. If you aren't sure how you're going to make rent next month, then no VIP is not worth the money. If you're lighting cigars with 10s and 20s, then sure it's nice not to have to wait in line.

I'm not sure why someone would camp and then buy VIP. That's like living in a piece of shit rat-infested smeared-shit-on-the-walls-and-puke-in-the-carpet hellhole of an apartment then driving around in your Z4. but whatever people like i guess.

this is exactly what i thought when i read how another person camped but got VIP tickets...kind of confusing.

But from what everyone is saying and from what i've heard, VIP is not worth it. Main entrance went by pretty fast, but i went weekend 2, maybe there was a change? VIP allows you to enter through another area faster, not sure if that's a true perk. Slightly better booze, food and cleaner bathrooms? If you're a guy who doesn't go number 2 at coachella, bathroom cleanliness shouldn't be an issue.

I'd never do VIP for the reasons stated throughout this thread...that and I'm broke as fuck

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

what about those viewing areas on the main stage and mojave? in the front on the left side

Originally Posted by mncarpooler

Anything that's not Sahara tent trash is going to have a small crowd it seems like. I wandered over near the Sahara once all weekend and it was a clusterfuck of the douchiest looking people you could ever imagine.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by diamondeyes

this is exactly what i thought when i read how another person camped but got VIP tickets...kind of confusing.

But from what everyone is saying and from what i've heard, VIP is not worth it. Main entrance went by pretty fast, but i went weekend 2, maybe there was a change? VIP allows you to enter through another area faster, not sure if that's a true perk. Slightly better booze, food and cleaner bathrooms? If you're a guy who doesn't go number 2 at coachella, bathroom cleanliness shouldn't be an issue.

I'd never do VIP for the reasons stated throughout this thread...that and I'm broke as fuck

Exactly why we did it this year and for me worth every penny. Basically what Tom said, it's a value judgement. The viewing areas are for Guest wristbands.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by arsgunner

what about those viewing areas on the main stage and mojave? in the front on the left side

Those are only open to Guest passes and above. Also, those viewing areas are at each stage. Was impressed with how many celeb pics I saw with said celeb only having VIP bands and not the Guest/Artist ones. GV are really cracking down on distribution of the more exclusive passes.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by TomAz

First of all, "worth the money" is a value judgment and people have different attitudes about money. If you aren't sure how you're going to make rent next month, then no VIP is not worth the money. If you're lighting cigars with 10s and 20s, then sure it's nice not to have to wait in line.

I'm not sure why someone would camp and then buy VIP. That's like living in a piece of shit rat-infested smeared-shit-on-the-walls-and-puke-in-the-carpet hellhole of an apartment then driving around in your Z4. but whatever people like i guess.

I agree with the value judgement. The camping analogy is pretty far off though. By camping, I brought all the food, drinks, stereo, lounge chairs, etc. that I wanted and had a shaded, cooled area 500 feet from the entrance and came & went several times a day. I didn't pay for a hotel, drive daily, ride any shuttles, or walk a mile to get in & out every day. Some people are comfortable camping, and actually enjoy car camping once & a while.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Originally Posted by JustSteve

Those are only open to Guest passes and above. Also, those viewing areas are at each stage. Was impressed with how many celeb pics I saw with said celeb only having VIP bands and not the Guest/Artist ones. GV are really cracking down on distribution of the more exclusive passes.

Wait, a VIP band wont get you into that area? that was the only reason I even considered it.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

My girlfriend and I are be fair skinned and burn easily. I enjoy having the ability to sneak out of the sun to a less crowded daytime area next to the main stage with shade.
worth it? Not for the average person, but there are things that can swing it for you if you are particular.

Re: Are VIP PASSES worth the money?

Thanks for all the input, I don't think I will purchase them for next year, I really was hoping to get good viewing spots like they have at EDC for the stages and some extra access but it doesn't sound to be worth it. EDC 2012 was the best and we had vIP worth every penny, but this doesn't sound like GV does this very well in comparison. Looks like ill stick with GA and book at a hotel did the car camping this year but I like sleep way to much to do that again. It was fun and I'm glad we did it but its a onetime deal for me